The driftless region surrounding Viroqua, Wisconsin features dramatic ridges and valleys formed by ancient glacial activity. Elevations range from 640 to 1,300 feet across the area, creating diverse microclimates within short distances. Several campgrounds offer creek access where temperatures remain cool even during summer heat waves, providing natural relief for campers and pets.
What to do
Kickapoo River kayaking: Access points near Wildcat Mountain State Park provide excellent paddling opportunities. "We took the opportunity to kayak down the Kickapoo and had a blast - make sure you do some exploring while you are here," notes Holly W. The river features gentle currents suitable for beginners with rental options available in nearby Ontario.
Trout fishing streams: Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park offers direct access to quality fishing waters. "There is good trout fishing at this campground. Recommended spots are one of the 5 ponds or the Bad Axe River," advises GoWhereYouAreDraw N. Local regulations require fishing licenses, available online or in Viroqua sporting goods stores.
Hiking trails with elevation: Trails surrounding campgrounds showcase the region's unique topography. "Hiking trails were pretty close and we had quite the exercise going up/down the mountain," shares Joyce B. about Wildcat Mountain trails. Many trails range from 1-3 miles with moderate difficulty ratings due to elevation changes.
What campers like
Spacious, level campsites: Sites at Sidie Hollow County Main Campground provide comfortable setup areas. "Nice grassy sites next to a cool creek. Electric but no water hook up... Sites are fairly flat clay soil, so I didn't have to level much," reports one camper. Most sites include fire rings with cooking grates.
Quiet environment: Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting at Westfork Sports Club & Campground. "Stunning views and so peaceful! Huge open sites. Not a lot of trees for privacy but the sites are huge so it's all good," notes Randall K. The campground requires a $40 yearly membership that covers camping fees.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower buildings receive positive reviews. "Hot water and flush toilets and hot showers (need quarters)," mentions a Westfork Sports Club camper. At Wildcat Mountain State Park, "The shower house was close and clean," according to Kay K., who stayed in the walk-in camping area.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from mid-April through mid-October. "The campground is open for camping between April 15th and October 15th each year," notes a review about Esofea campground. Off-season camping options are extremely limited due to water system winterization.
Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds feature steep access roads. At Wildcat Mountain, Joyce B. cautions, "If you have a low car, the front end is going to get scraped at the bottom of the mountain." Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended during wet weather at several campgrounds.
Reservation systems vary: Blackhawk Park uses a mixed booking system. "There's also lots of unnumbered sites FCFS sites around the park," explains Deb M. Many campgrounds require advance reservations for weekend stays during peak summer months but offer more flexibility midweek.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At the Boat Landing Campground at Sidie Hollow, Sara M. notes, "You can see the playground from all 20ish camp sites." This allows parents to supervise children while managing camp duties.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to observe local animals. "We enjoyed watching a muskrat family playing in the stream by our site," shares Laura E. about Blackhawk Park. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing times.
Short hiking options: Many campgrounds feature trails suitable for children. "Ice Cave trail was a neat, quick walk," notes Steph about Wildcat Mountain State Park. Trail maps available at ranger stations indicate difficulty levels and distances appropriate for different ages.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds require some adjustment for larger vehicles. At Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground, Stan P. notes, "Water/electric sites have gravel drives. Not all level." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most area campgrounds.
Dump station access: Facilities vary between campgrounds. Sidie Hollow provides a dump station, and Noah V. mentions, "I explored the other 3 campground at sidie hollow while I was there... The main campground had nicer facilities." Several campgrounds offer sanitary dump services for an additional fee.
Shade availability: Tree cover varies significantly between campgrounds and camping loops. "The upper ridge campground has the most shade out of all 3 campgrounds (cooler in the summer)," observes Noah V. about the dog friendly campgrounds near Viroqua. This information helps RVers plan for power needs if using solar or avoiding overheating in summer months.
